Pipe-coupling



(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

-E. F. ROBERTS.

PIPE GOUPLING.

No. 418.5911.. Patented Deo. 3l, 1889.

.mnulllll n fv Bamm; d 1w. Rom-ans.

BWATT'YS (No Model.) 3 Sheets--Sheet 2.

' B. F. ROBERTS.

PIPE GOUPLING- Patented Deo. 31, 1889-.

. ATTYs,

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3. E. P. ROBERTS. PIPE GOUPLING.

1\T0. L118,591.v Patented Dec. 31, 1889.

all". /lllnr ATTYS NA PETERS, Photo-Lihogvipher. Washington. D4 C.

p UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDVARD F. ROBERTS, O F ROCHESTER, ASSIGN OR OF ONE-HALF TO THOMAS R.SULLY, OF BUFFALO, NEV YORK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 41.8,'591, datedDecember 31, 1889. Application filed July 16, 1881. Serial No. 244,470.(No model.)

.To all whom t may concern: assume when on the cars. Fig. 5 is asectionBe it known that I, EDWARD F. ROBERTS, a through y, Fig. 4, when theconnecting-pipes citizen of Great Britain, residing at Rochesare in thesame line. Fig. 6 is a section 55 A ter, in the county of Monroe andState of vthrough y, Fig. 5, at right angles to that New York, haveinvented certain new and shown in said Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is afrontelevausefulImprovements-in Pipe-Couplings; and tion of the end of one ofthe pivoted hold- Ido hereby declare the following to be a full,ing-rods. Fig. 8 is a section through Fig.

clear, and exact description of the invention, 7, and Figs. 9 and 10 aredetail views illus- 6o such as will enable others skilled in the arttrating the packing-rings. On Sheet 3, Fig.

1o to which it appertains to make and use the -ll is a plan Viewillustrating a construction same, reference being had totheaccompanydescribed hereinafter, and Fig. l2 is a secing drawings, and toletters of reference tional View illustrating a modified construcmarkedthereon, which form a part of this tion of the ball-and-socket joint. 65specification. Similar letters of reference are employed The purpose ofthis invention is to provide to indicate corresponding part-s in saidabovea coupling of improved construction, which described figures. isdesigned especially to be used in connec- In said vieWsA indicates theplates or tion with heating systems in railway-cars, in disks whichconstitute the duplicate sections 7o which either air, steam, water, orany heator separable portions of the knee or elbow 2o ing medium isused, to connect the pipes joint. In each of said plates is a passagethrough which the steam, &c., is conducted a, which, when the plates areclamped tofrom car to car. f gether in their operative position,.leadinto Y M The objects which my invention is further and from an innerchamber a', thus forming 75 intended to attain are to secure a couplinga continuous passage through the joint for which will automaticallyaccommodate itself the steam or other fluid conveyed by the to themotion of the cars, to provide a coupcoupling. When the plates areformed without ling that is freely interchangeable, so that l theinner-chamber andare flat on the engagone of the separable portions ofthe coupling ing faces, the passages a unite at the center 8o may beattachedto any other of said separaof the disks and together preferablyform an 3o ble portions, tov reduce the amount of wear S-shaped ductthrough the joint. On each by employing a fewer number of moving plateis formed a lug a2, which receives a parts, and also to prevent thecondensation threaded rod a3, on which turns the holdingof the steam atthe joints. bar b, that engages with the opposite plate, As abovestated, the coupling is designed as shown in Fig. l. Said bar isprovided 3 5 to accommodate itself automatically to the mowith a slottedend b', having slots b2 b3 therein, tion of the cars, both thelateraland swinging which unite at the vcenter of the end b', and, motion, andalso the increase and decrease of while preferably arranged at right.angles the distance between the cars in stopping one to the other, stillthe angle may be varied 9o and starting. In addition to this, thecoupaccording to the amount of movement of the 4o ling is so constructedthat `should the coupknee -joint. One of said slots, as b2, is inlingwhich connects the cars break and the clined upward toward the center ofthe end cars draw apart, the pipe-coupling separates b', being deeper atthe outer edge of said automatically without any injury thereto. endthan at the center, where it joins the slot In t-he accompanyingdrawings, inwhich is b3, which is preferably of the' same depth 45illustrated my improvement, Figure l is a throughout. On each of theplates A, at top view of my improved coupling. Fig. 2 about the centerthereof, is a pin d4, which is a section of the same through X. Fig. 3engages with the slotted end of the holding- Y is a section through oneof the connectingbar, as in Fig. 5. 10o

pipes, looking in the direction of the arrow As shown in Fig. l, thearms for holding 5c' Fig. 4' is a side elevation of the knee or elbowthe plates A together project from one of the joint and a portion of thepipes connected said plates and engage with the pin a4 on the therewithshown in that position which they `other of said plates, the platesturning on the pins, which thus serve as journals, turning in the centerof the slotted end b' of the holding arm or bar, which acts as ajournalbox. y

In either or both of the engaging faces of the plates A is formed anannular recess a, to receive a packing ring or rings a, which rendersthe joint between the rotating faces of the plates air or steam tight.To prevent the friction of the rotating plates from wearing directlyupon the packing-rings, said rings are inserted in a recessed or slottedring di, formed of any suitable anti -friction metal, in the recess a insaid plates, and owing to the pressure with which the rotating platesare held together the engaging faces of the packing-ring do not move,but the movement takes place between the inclosing metallic covering a?and the slots a5 in the faces of the rotating plates. By thisconstruction the joint between the plates is kept perfectly tight, thewear being between the metallic surfaces and not between thepacking-surfaces. In connecting the knee-joint the plates are placedface to face and the arms b are turned so that the inclined slot strikesthe journal-pin on each plate, and as the pins ride up on the inclineand reach the center of the end of the arm the plates are pressedtogether. By one method of connecting the joint the plates are turneduntil the arms A are parallel and in the same plane as in Fig. 4, whenthe pins will pass through the slots b3 by pulling the disks A inopposite directions. This mode of separating is intended to be usedespecially when the link-coupling breaks and the cars draw apart and theair or steam coupling is straightcned out.

The plates or disks may be separated at any time by drawing the arms l)otf from the pins d4 through the slot b2, which, as indicated in Fig. 7,is slightly curved.

As specified hereinbefore, each of the separable plates are alike, sothat one plate on one car will couple with any other plate on anothercar. rlhe said plates may be covered with a covering of suitablematerial to prevent loss of heat and condensation when the coupling isused in connection with steamheating systems. On each side of thepreviously-described knee-joint are arranged balland-socketjoints, whichare connected with said knee-joints by pipes c, as shown in Fig. l. Asshown more particularly i n Fig. 2, said ball-and-socket joints consistof an inner spherical portion d, provided with a central duct d and asurrounding cavity d2, and which is rigidly secured to the end of a pipee. Ou one side of said portion d is animmovable concave plate dwh ichincloses about one-half of the spherical portion and is threaded on theouter surface d'5. On the opposite side of said portion d is a secondconcave plated, corresponding to the plate di, which is also threaded onthe outer surface (Z6, and connecting said portions d3 and d5 is athreaded ring di, which, when turned, draws the plate di toward theplate d3. Said ring d7 is provided with faces similar to an ordinarynut, or with a handle 71, or with both, as in Fig. l, by which said ringis turned. Between the inner spherical portion d and the concave plate(Z5 is a hemispherical portion di, which is secured to the end of thepipe c, that connects the ball-and-socket joints with the interposedknee or elbow joint. Between the outer surface of the hemisphericalportion and the inner surface of the concave plates d" are preferablyarranged globules or balls d" of antifriction metal, Fig. :2, so as toreduce the friction between said moving surfaces. The joint between theouter surface of the portion d and the inner surface of the movablehemispherical portion (Z8 is ground and perfectly steam -tiglitt Aplugged opening dm is provided in the inner portion d to permit theinsertion of mineral wool, asbestus, or any desired material, so as topack the space around the steam-duct d and prevent any condensationtherein.

Tolock the ring di ratchets f are provided in either of the threadedsurfaces d d, and a pawl f is secured to said ring to .engage with saidratchets, as indicated in Fig. 3. A packing-ring g is interposed betweenthe faces of the parts (Z3 d@ and around the portion (l, as shown inFig. 2.

In a coupling constructed as above set forth there is provision for anydegree of motion in a lateral plane at the ball-and socket joints, andalso any degree of movement in a plane at right angles to said lateralplane in the knee-joint.

In the telescopic or sliding coupling which has been heretofore used thefriction between the sliding portions is very great, and much difiicultyis experienced in keeping the joint steam-tight because of the wear ofthe sliding parts.

The construction of my coupling between the ball-and-socket jointspermits of a much greater amount of playbetween the cars, and at thesame time with much less friction and its consequent wear and opening ofthe joints. The cost of the coupling is further reduced, because of theless number of the parts thereof.

In Figs. l, 2, 5, dac., are illustrated angular fianges ai, whichproject from the annular rims a of each of the disks A land extend abouthalf-way around each of said disks, as in Fig. 2, a-nd when the disksare brought together the annular tiange on each disk receives andprojects over the rim a on the opposite disk, as indicated in Fig. 5.The object of this construction is to prevent any strain upon the armsand rods b and a and the separation of the disks.

Instead of the pivoted arms b and rod a3, I may use a continuousspring-arm am to accomplish the same purpose, as shown in Fig. 1l.

As a modified construction of the ball-and- IIO socket joint, theconcave portions cl3 and d5 may screw one into the other, as in Fig. 12,instead of taking up the wear by the ring d?, as previously described asthe preferred form. The shell-or portion dsis provided with an enlargedchamber or recess d, which is considerably larger than the end of theduct d', to prevent the closing of the end of said duct as the shell d8turns. rlhe concave plate d5 is cut away at 0312 to permit the desiredmovement of the said portion d8.

I-am aware of English patent, No. 4,175 of 1883, and hereby disclaimanything herein anticipated by said patent.

Having described my invention, I do not claim, simply and broadly, apipe-coupling composed of separate members united by universal joints.Neither do I claim, broadly, a coupling-joint having packings insertedin grooves; but l What I claim as new, and desire to secure by LettersPatent, is-

1. A pipe-coupling having ball-and-socketV t or universal joints and anintermediately-arranged oscillating .joint composed of automaticallyseparable sections having meeting faces oscillating or turning inopposite directions one upon the other when in operative engagement andprovided with air or steam ducts therethrough, and means on each sectionadapted to engage with the other of said sections to hold said sectionsin their oscillatory engagement and to cause the automatic separation ofsaid sections when the oscillating joint and universal joints are in astraight line, or .approximately so, for the purpose specilied. n

2. In a pipe-coupling, the combination of end members provided withuniversal joints, and an intermediate member consisting of two sectionsin elbow form, the outer ends jointed directly to the end members andthe inner ends connected by an articulating-joint fitted to allow theparts of the intermediate member to turn in parallel planes whencoupled, spring-actuated locking-arms adapted to engage with saidsections and exercise pressure in opposite directions and to hold saidsections in operative engagement, and means on said spring-arms adaptedto cause the automatic separation of the sections when said elbows anduniversal joints are in aI straight line, as and for the purposespecified.

3. In a pipe-coupling, the combination, with end members provided withuniversal joints, of an intermediate member jointed to the end membersandtogether at the center, the two iiat coupling-heads of the centraljoint being provided with circular grooves of loose rings fitting insaid grooves and turning freely, and packings fitted in grooves of theloose rings, as shown and described, and for the purpose specified.

4. A pipe-coupling having ball-and-socket or universal joints, and anelbow-joint arrangedbetween and connected with said universal joints bysuitable pipes, said elbowlouter surface thereof, and

having slots therein to cause the disengagement ot the said arms withthe sections when said elbow and universal joints are in a j straightline, substantially as and for the purpose specied.

5. A pipe-coupling having ball-and-socket joints, and an elbow-jointarranged between and connected with said ball-and socket joints bysuitable pipes, said elbow-joint being composed of like sections,spring-arms on each of said sections, turning with the same, adaptedtoexercise their pressure in opposite directions and pivotally holdingthe sections together, and means on said arms for causing the lockedengagement of the sections as long as the elbow and the ball-and-socketjoints are not in a straight line and the automatic separation of thesaid sections when said joints are in a straight line, substantially asdescribed. 1

6. A coupling device consisting of a'spherical shell having a ducttherethrough and a packing-chamber within said shell and around saidduct, a pipe to which said spherical shell is rigidly attached, asemi-spherical shell moving around said spherical shell and having apipe attached thereto, a divided inclosingshell consisting of theportions cl3 and d5, provided with threads and ratchets on the athreaded ring connecting said portions d3 and d5 and provided vvith-adetent or pawl thereon which engages with the ratchets and locks saidrings,

IOO

substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. A coupling device consisting of a spherical shell having a ducttherethrough, a pipe to which said shell is rigidly attached, asemisphericalshell moving around said spherical shell and having a pipeattached thereto, a divided inclosing-shell consisting ot the portionsds and d5, threaded on the outer surface, asset forth, and a threadedring connecting said portions d3 and d5, all of said parts beingarranged and operated for the purpose set forth.

8. A pipe-coupling having a ball-and-socket or universal joints and anelbow-joint arranged between and connected with said universal joints bysuitable pipes, said elbowjoint being composed ofautomatically-separable plates or sections having pins projectingtherefrom and pivotally held together by arms projecting from onesection and engaging with the vpin on the opposite section, the end ofsaid arm which engages with the pin being provided with grooves whichmeet at an angle and into which Isaid pin projects, substantially as andfor the purpose set forth. device, the combination,

9. In a coupling IIO with automatically-separable plates or sections A,having ducts therethrough, each of said sections being provided with ajournalpin thereon, as set forth, of j ournal-arms projecting from eachof said sections and engaging with the pin on the opposite section, theend of said arm which engages with the pin being provided with grooveswhich meet at an angle and into which said pin projects, substantiallyas and for the purpose set forth.

l0. A pipe-couplin g having ball-and-socket or universal joints and anelbow-joint arranged between them and connected with said universaljoints by suitable pipes, said elbowjoint being composed ofautomatically-separable sections pivotally and automatically EDWARD F.ROBERTS.

Witnesses:

FREDK. F. CAMPBELL, L. S. COOK.

